Damascus, Syria

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Damascus, in southwestern Syria, is widely believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Its historical importance has led to the Old City's designation as a World Heritage Site. Westerners are perhaps best familiar with Damascus in relation to the Apostle Paul, who was baptized by Ananias on Straight Street - which can still be seen today. Damascus also has a connection with John the Baptist: his head is believed to be in a chapel within the great Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world. Damascus has always been an important religious center - the Umayyad Mosque stands on the site of a Roman temple and a Christian church - and it remains so today. Among its many religious places are numerous mosques, an important Shia shrine, several churches, and the National Museum with ancient religious artifacts.

This is a beautiful Iranian-style mosque and shrine in southern Damascus, housing the tomb of Sayidda Zeinab, daughter of Ali and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. It attracts Shi'a pilgrims from Iran and around the world.